Are Lattes More Caffeine Than Coffee? The Truth Revealed

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

An 8-ounce cup of drip coffee typically contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine, while a standard 8-ounce latte with a single espresso shot has about 63 milligrams. The popular myth that lattes are more caffeinated than coffee stems from confusing espresso's high concentration per ounce with the total caffeine content of a full beverage.

Quick Summary

This article debunks the myth that lattes contain more caffeine than regular coffee. It clarifies the critical differences between espresso's concentration and the total caffeine content of a full beverage, explaining how volume affects overall caffeine intake.

Key Points

Brewing Method Matters: The difference in caffeine content between a latte and coffee largely depends on the brewing method used, with drip coffee's longer extraction time pulling more caffeine from the grounds overall.
Volume vs. Concentration: A shot of espresso in a latte is more concentrated in caffeine per ounce, but a typical serving of brewed coffee is larger and contains more total caffeine.
Milk Dilutes Caffeine: The large volume of steamed milk used to make a latte dilutes the espresso's caffeine, resulting in a lower overall caffeine level compared to a same-sized cup of drip coffee.
Faster Absorption: While a latte may have less caffeine, the concentrated nature of the espresso means the caffeine can be absorbed more quickly, potentially giving a faster perceived 'kick'.
Roast Level Impact: Lighter roasted coffee beans actually retain slightly more caffeine by weight than darker roasts because the roasting process reduces the bean's mass.
Customization is Key: You can easily increase a latte's caffeine level by requesting additional espresso shots, which is a common practice in coffee shops.
Individual Factors: Personal sensitivity to caffeine, metabolic rate, and how quickly you drink the beverage also influence the perceived effect.

Espresso vs. Drip Coffee: A Tale of Volume and Concentration

The fundamental difference in caffeine between a latte and a standard cup of coffee comes down to their brewing methods and serving sizes. Drip coffee is made by slowly passing hot water over a large quantity of coffee grounds, a process that extracts a significant amount of caffeine over several minutes. A latte, on the other hand, is built on one or two small, concentrated shots of espresso. While espresso is highly concentrated in caffeine per ounce, a typical serving of drip coffee is much larger, leading to a higher total caffeine dose. The addition of steamed milk to a latte further dilutes the espresso's caffeine across a larger volume.

The Concentration vs. Total Caffeine Paradox

Many people are surprised to learn that a single shot of espresso contains less total caffeine than an average 8-ounce cup of coffee. This is because the visual and flavor intensity of espresso, which is served in a small demitasse cup, is often mistaken for a high total caffeine load. The quick absorption of caffeine from a rapidly consumed espresso shot can also create a perception of a stronger effect. Conversely, a larger cup of drip coffee is sipped over a longer period, resulting in a more gradual release of caffeine into the bloodstream.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Content

The final caffeine content of your drink isn't just about the type of beverage, but also a variety of other factors that influence the extraction process.

Coffee Bean Variety: Robusta beans naturally contain nearly twice as much caffeine as the more common Arabica beans.
Roast Level: Contrary to popular belief, lighter roasts actually have a slightly higher caffeine content than darker roasts because the roasting process reduces bean mass.
Brewing Time: Longer brew times, like those used for cold brew or French press, typically result in more caffeine extracted.
Serving Size: The most significant factor. A larger cup of brewed coffee will almost always have more caffeine than a standard latte, which contains a smaller base of espresso.
Barista Customization: In coffee shops, the number of espresso shots in a latte can be customized. A customer can order an extra shot to increase the caffeine content, potentially surpassing that of a drip coffee.

Brewing Method Breakdown

Here’s a comparison of average caffeine content for different coffee beverages:


Coffee Beverage	Serving Size	Average Caffeine (mg)
Brewed Drip Coffee	8 oz (240ml)	95 mg
Brewed Drip Coffee	16 oz (Grande)	310 mg
Espresso (single shot)	1 oz (30ml)	63 mg
Latte (1 shot)	8 oz (240ml)	63 mg
Latte (2 shots)	16 oz (Grande)	126-150 mg
Cold Brew	12 oz (355ml)	150-200 mg

Table based on data from USDA and various coffee shop averages. Caffeine levels can vary depending on bean type and brewing specifics.

Is there a different caffeine experience?

While the total caffeine load is higher in most drip coffee servings, the caffeine experience from a latte can feel different due to absorption dynamics. The milk and fats in a latte may slow down caffeine absorption, resulting in a milder, more gradual lift compared to the faster, more intense spike from black coffee or a straight espresso shot. For those who are sensitive to caffeine's rapid effects, this can feel like a less intense experience, even if the total amount of caffeine is similar or higher. The presence of milk and sugar also adds calories that black coffee lacks, influencing the overall physiological impact.

How to get the caffeine level you want

If you're seeking a specific level of caffeine, knowing the brewing method and standard serving sizes is key. For a powerful, quick jolt, a single espresso shot might feel stronger initially due to its concentration and rapid consumption. However, for a sustained, higher dose of caffeine, a larger cup of drip coffee or a cold brew is typically the better option. If you enjoy the flavor profile of a latte but need a bigger boost, simply request an extra espresso shot from your barista. Understanding these nuances empowers you to make an informed choice based on your desired caffeine intake and the kind of energy boost you're looking for. For additional nutritional information on popular coffee shop beverages, you can consult reliable sources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In most typical serving sizes, a cup of brewed drip coffee contains more total caffeine than a standard latte. The common misconception arises from confusing the concentration of espresso with the total volume of a milk-based beverage. While a shot of espresso is more concentrated per ounce, a large drip coffee delivers a greater overall dose of caffeine. Your ideal choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a quick, concentrated lift from a small espresso-based drink or a longer-lasting, larger caffeine dose from a brewed coffee. Knowing these distinctions allows you to select the perfect beverage for your energy needs.

Caffeine Comparison: More in Coffee, Less in Lattes

Coffee Wins by Volume: A standard cup of drip coffee typically has more total caffeine than a standard latte, due to volume.
Espresso is Concentrated: Espresso is highly concentrated in caffeine per ounce, but a standard serving is small.
Latte Dilution: The milk in a latte dilutes the total caffeine from the one or two espresso shots.
Perceived vs. Actual Boost: The concentrated nature of espresso in a latte can feel like a quicker hit, but a larger drip coffee provides more overall caffeine.
Customize Your Kick: The total caffeine in a latte can be increased by adding extra espresso shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most people, a standard latte will provide a milder, more gradual caffeine kick than a brewed coffee of the same volume. This is because the caffeine is diluted by milk and is absorbed slower, whereas black coffee delivers a more concentrated effect.

The perception that lattes have more caffeine is a common myth. While espresso is highly concentrated, a large drip coffee actually contains more total caffeine. The quick consumption of the small, intense espresso shots can create a faster, stronger initial feeling of alertness.

A Starbucks Grande brewed coffee has significantly more caffeine than a Grande Caffe Latte. A Grande Latte typically has two shots of espresso (around 150 mg), whereas a Grande Pike Place Roast can have 310 mg.

No, adding milk does not neutralize or reduce the total amount of caffeine in your drink. However, the fat and proteins in milk can slow down the rate at which caffeine is absorbed into your bloodstream, leading to a more gradual effect.

Yes, you can increase the caffeine content by asking your barista for an extra espresso shot. Most standard lattes have one or two shots, so adding more will directly increase the caffeine dose.

Not necessarily. The perceived 'strength' of coffee is often due to its roast profile and flavor, not its caffeine content. Darker roasts, which taste more intense, actually have slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts by weight.

Yes, in typical serving sizes, cold brew often contains more total caffeine than a latte. Cold brew is steeped for an extended period, which extracts a higher amount of caffeine than the short, high-pressure method used for espresso.